Decisions hurting people

Here is a little note which reflects perhaps upcoming reluctance by federal legislators on spending issues …and thoughts about an action against children.

NECAC to run out of Energy Assistance funding this week, affecting needy people in 12 Missouri counties (including Lincoln). NECAC started the winter heating season Oct. 1 with $712,000 for utility assistance. As of Jan. 10 less than $50,000 remains. Last year, NECAC did not run out of funding until March, when the agency had $1.5 million. The only option is for people to apply for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Unfortunately, those who’ve already received LIHEAP funding since Oct. 1 cannot get it again. LIHEAP offers a one-time payment of anywhere from $45 to $450 per household.

Politicians worldwide evoke legislation, using common, unpowered blocks of people as pawns. Take for example, the recent bill signed by Soviet leader Putin to not allow Russian orphans to be adopted by American couples. Most of us know local families who have opened their homes and hearts to Russian children. This is an expensive effort including visits to that country prior to formal approval. More importantly, this action closes the door for a better life for these ‘forgotten’ children.

“My wife, Abby, and I adopted our son, Charlie, from Russia,” said Sen. Roy Blunt. “Until the time we brought him home, Charlie had spent every day of his young life in an orphanage or hospital. I am incredibly saddened and outraged that Russia is using orphaned children who desperately need homes, especially the 46 who have already been paired with their adoptive American families, as political pawns,” said Blunt. Hundreds of thousands of Russian children who need good homes are now in danger of growing up in an orphanage until they are turned out on the streets at age 16.”

This politically motivated ban came in response to Congress’ decision to hold Russian officials responsible for human rights violations as part of the bipartisan Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations bill.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”- Matthew19:14